Associated News Bureau

Artisan Showcase at SK Park Draws Tourists, Students and Craft Enthusiasts

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: The Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, organised the September edition of its ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative at SK Park, Srinagar, on the sidelines of Jammu and Kashmir’s first International Film Festival, attracting tourists, students, craft enthusiasts and members of the public. The event, themed ‘Soulful Kashmir’, showcased a diverse range of high-value, GI-tagged and languishing crafts, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Kashmir’s traditional craftsmanship and interact directly with artisans. According to a statement issued by the department, 26 stalls were set up at the venue, featuring a variety of handcrafted products. The initiative also provided artisans with a platform for direct interaction with potential buyers and visitors and helped promote authentic Kashmiri crafts. The School of Designs, Kashmir, facilitated live demonstrations of traditional crafts, while a dedicated ‘Try Corner’ allowed visitors to gain hands-on experience in pottery, papier-mâché and needlework. Live musical performances, organised in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, added to the cultural atmosphere of the event. Students from various schools and colleges participated in the programme and showed keen interest in the intricate craftsmanship on display. They interacted with artisans, watched live demonstrations and tried their hand at different craft-making activities, gaining first-hand exposure to the skill and precision involved in traditional Kashmiri crafts. A department spokesperson said the initiative was aimed at creating greater awareness about the heritage value, authenticity and craftsmanship associated with Kashmir’s traditional crafts while strengthening direct connections between artisans, consumers and visitors. The spokesperson said the encouraging response had reinforced the department’s resolve to take the ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative to prominent tourist destinations and other high-footfall locations to enhance visibility, recognition and market access for local artisans. The department also appealed to tourists, buyers and craft enthusiasts to support local artisans by purchasing authentic handcrafted products and promoting the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative aimed at preserving and reviving Kashmir’s rich craft heritage.